U.S. and other states oppose whaling in Southern Ocean
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The United States, Australia, the Netherlands and New Zealand on Friday expressed opposition to whaling in the Southern Ocean and concern about confrontations there that will eventually lead to injury or loss of life.
"We are deeply concerned that confrontations in the Southern Ocean will eventually lead to injury or loss of life among both whaling crews and protesters, many of whom are nationals of our countries," the four states said in a joint statement. "We call on the masters of all vessels involved in these actions in the Southern Ocean to take responsibility for ensuring that the safety of human life at sea is their highest priority."
The four countries said they jointly "condemn any actions that imperil human life in the Southern Ocean."
"We remain resolute in our opposition to whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, established by the International Whaling Commission, and are disappointed at the recent departure of the Japanese whaling fleet for the Southern Ocean," the statement said.
Japan stopped whaling for commercial purposes in 1986 in line with international law, but has been exercising its right since to hunt whales for what it claims to be scientific purposes, although it does little to hide the fact that whale still appears on the menu in many Japanese restaurants. Japan kills hundreds of whales a year in the Antarctic waters.
As the whaling season of Japan approached, anti-whaling activists around the world had held protests or planned to send anti-whaling ships to try to stop Japan's whaling program.
"Our governments respect the right of individuals and groups to protest peacefully, including on the high seas," the joint statement said. "At the same time, we condemn dangerous or violent activities from all participants. Any unlawful activity will be dealt with in accordance with relevant international and domestic laws."
The statement noted that the Southern Ocean in particular is a remote and unforgiving environment where the risk of adverse incidents is high and the capacity for search and rescue or other assistance is low. "Any accident in this region jeopardizes not only the safety of whaling and protest vessels and their crews but also anyone who comes to their assistance," the statement added.
"We are deeply concerned that an incident in this remote region could end tragically," the four states said. "The collision between an anti-whaling vessel and a Japanese vessel on Jan. 6, 2010 demonstrated clearly the dangers involved."
"Our governments jointly call upon the masters of all vessels involved to strictly observe international collision avoidance regulations," the joint statement said. "We also draw their attention to the International Maritime Organization's May 17, 2010 resolution on assuring safety during demonstrations, protests or confrontations on the high seas."
The four countries said they remain committed to the global moratorium on commercial whaling and meaningful reform of the International Whaling Commission.
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